We’ve got our Seattle Workshop for Women NEXT weekend! Can you believe it! I’m so excited. In the last week, a bunch of our friends have offered to throw in gifts for the attendees! Listen to this!
1. 1 year Pictage Lite Membership for FREE!
2. Roxie at Pixel 2 Canvas is sending Canvas Certificates our way!
3. Shoot Dot Edit (the rock stars who do color processing–for PORTRAITS AND MOMS NOW!! Woo Hoo!–are sending Shoot Dot Edit Dollars to all the attendees!
And then we’ve got some fun stuff we’re putting together too!
But there is one piece MAJOR piece that we still need to do. We’ve been on the road so much, heads spinning, suitcases flying, that I forgot to start the Running on Empty Contest. Do you think it’s to late? I hope not because our Women Workshops aren’t complete without a Running On Empty Winner.
If you know a MOM who is;
A. Running on Empty
B. Lives Locally (since we’re so close to the workshop) or has mileage to spend or lives by the seat of her pants and would book a plane ticket last minute 🙂
C. Can arrange for a sitter and get next weekend free, starting Friday night all the way through Sunday night
D. Most importantly, has a PASSION for photography
Nominate her TODAY! We’ll close nominations Sunday night (this Sunday night at 6pm PST). Then we can hopefully announce the winner sometime Monday or Tuesday. If you are not familiar with this contest, read below and see what it’s all about!
Here’s how it works!
In honor of how wonderful moms are and all that they do and give, Brian and I keep one spot reserved in every workshop for a special mom like YOU! That’s right, you (or she) will get a free pass to the upcoming Seattle Workshop! (Please note, we don’t provide room/board and travel.)
To nominate a mom, you must post a comment telling us about the mom who you think deserves a big break in life! If your a mom, you’re probably laughing because we ALL deserve a serious break. But the moms we’re looking for are the ones who have had a ridiculous amount of stress in their life whether from trauma or things just not going her way this year. She is a mom in your life that needs a serious blessing to come her way. She needs a surprise giving her empty tank some fuel. If she is a woman that has miscarried, she is still a mom in my mind b/c I know her heart became a mother’s heart the moment she found out she was pregnant. I’m proud to say that our previous winners stepped out on a limb and nominated themselves. Take courage in them and feel free to nominate yourself if you know you need a serious break. Who knows, you may have your house remodeled by Oprah! 
We’ll collect all the nominees, have a committee of wonderful moms vote, and then announce the winner on Monday or Tuesday!
Nominate her today and turn her day around! Oh, wait! Don’t forget to let her know you’ve nominated her too! If I was a mom nominated I’d love to know my friends were thinking of me whether I won or not! Deadline for ALL nominations is Sunday, May 30th at 6pm PST. Nominations must be posted as a comment on this blog post. Either your email or the nominees email MUST be included to qualify. Nominations emailed or posted on other blog posts may be overlooked. Please post all nominees here. Thanks!
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Our Refuse to Say Cheese DVD series are now AWARD WINNING! Read the press release HERE! If you haven’t ordered your own copy yet, check out our popular Instructional DVDs Refuse to Say Cheese and Beyond the Green Box, and our 101 Kits for starting or expanding a business in photography, click on the titles of your choice!
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OMG! I am so excited about the awesome gifts! THANK YOU!
Seven days to go…seven days to go…=)
OMG, again, at this moment I WISH I lived in Seattle.
San Diego!!
I know a mom who is running on empty and would LOVE to come. Not sure how she would get to you but I AM SURE (okay hopeful) she would figure it out.
My friend is Lillian Gifford. We are both members of a wonderful support group for parents and teens with Asperger’s Syndrome. We have provided each other lots of support and friendship over the three years we have known each other. Our unique boys have finally found acceptance and friendship.
Lillian has been attending college for a gazillion years WHILE homeschooling her special needs son. About a year ago her cheating husband left her, a student with no job, and her two boys. On top of that he tried every which way to not provide them any support
Lillian has been working so hard to complete her degree and certification as a special education teacher. She plans to graduate in December of this year. She is ALSO a budding photographer. She already plans to build a business and become a photographer while on school breaks and when she is not working (to earn extra money and because she loves photography). She has been taking class after class at the local camera store.
She would be beyond blessed to have some real training from the amazing MeRa and Brian at one of your workshops.
Oh my wow! I am going to nominate myself :0)
I think I am the definition of a mom running on empty. About a year ago we put our house up for sale in western WA to move our family to central WA for a “career change” for my husband. He wanted to start a restaurant. Well, right after our move we discovered that I was pregnant with our 4th child. I was very nervous and scared because this was not a planned pregnancy and all the uncertainty of our new lives. We also had 3 other kids and the youngest had just turned one.
I grew to accept my pregnancy and new surroundings. Put the kids in a great school. Found out we were having a boy(after 3 beautiful daughters). Bought a house. Still felt really lonley though.
About 2 months after being in our house I fell down the stairs and broke 3 bones in my foot and I was 7 months pregnant at this time. Right about that time I was told I could have a serious placenta condition and the the chances of the baby dying were 50-100%. I was completely blown away and even more confounded because even after being told my baby could die my Dr. was not wanting to take the right precautions to keep me and baby safe.
While all this was going on we were having major financial difficulties getting the restaurant to open. We got down to opening day and because of a few technicalities we weren’t able to open and stood to loose $5000 worth of food in the refridgerators! After many prayers for me, baby and restaurant we were all okay.
I still had a placenta condition but it was not life threatening and we did not loose the food. We opened the restaurant and 2 weeks later had the most beautiful baby boy ever.
Ever since then it’s been a struggle though to take care of 4 kids while my husband works 6-7 days a week alllll day. Because of their ages and needs I sometimes feel like a prisoner in my own home. I love them so much though and I know this will not be my life forever.
Photography has been my outlet!! I’ve been able to escape (by the wonderful help of my MIL) to do a few photo sessions and even a wedding. I tell you it’s only by the grace of God and the drive to be creative that has kept me sane.
Unfortunately, the restaurant is not making it and tomorrow is the last day. I’m sad for my hubby but so happy he will be home more. It’s my turn now. We have decided to go ALLLLL OUT with my photography business. I’m so excited to see what I can do 🙂
I need this!!!!!
hi Me Rah
I am nominating myself again. i want this crazy bad. and i am sure that you remember that i was selected for the 50% off seat at san fran but couldnt afford it and had to decline your offer… (still sniffing) but this is so god-send to me. i had a bride change wedding plans last minute and now june 6 is open! so i COULD go! its like one of 2 weekends with out a wedding this season. here is my previous nomination which i am sure that you remember… i have asked family and friends to not ralley together and all nominate me again… i figure you know those stories well enough by now! i really think that i deserve this, and bieng in seattle is much easier for me!! i have famaily there! i really really really need a break. to charge my batteries and creative side for the summer! and for life! and i have wanted to meet and learn from you since as long as i started this path! anyway. there isn’t much new to say. (i started a new homeless fundraiser that i launch in november, a gala and a show the following day! i plan to raise 20k for boises City of Light. our homeless shelter) everything in my previous entry says it all i believe. nothing is different in it except my desire to come! thanks again for your consideration! lindy
Hi guys! Its Lindy…I bet you feel like you know me well now! (You do!!! lol)
I want to nominate myself. I deserve this, and I want this so bad that I can taste it.
I am so grateful for all my family friends and clients that have come here to share their love for me ~ I love you back! I am overwhelmed with gratitude! I can’t say that anyone that posted a comment about me was objective… but I can say that a bunch of them started off that way! – hired me as their photographer and we fell in love with each other and clicked so to speak… and stayed close. I am thankful for all my friends…family by choice.
Me Ra Koh, thanks! Thanks for helping me to get such a BIG perspective on some of the waves that I have made…I am indebted to you.
I am a big reader of your blog. Met you at the wppi pictage deal in Vegas a few years back and fell in love with you and Brian. We chatted for a bit about how I had lived in Thailand for a couple years and LOVED it, and wanted to end up there again just as you were about to do. I bought your mom 101 DVD, loved it. I read this blog about your give away and asked my mom to nominate me ~ she asked others ~ they asked others ~ and then some read my blog about thanking those that had nominated me…more then came! I am truly happy that you had this give away!
I want to give you the ‘inside’ perspective to me and all my nominations…And some things and feelings that no one out of my home really knows….
‘I can’t stop’.
Truly, I can’t. I feel that I have been blessed soooooo much in my life, that I have so many talents and abilities that I therefore have such an ability and responsibility to HELP EVERYONE and EVERYTHING that I can. This is the time I feel that I am closest to God, helping him and my brothers and sisters out in such LARGE ways! And I sure as heck try. I am so often up till 2 am cus I am plotting out new clothing drives for the homeless, or a new line for my business, or how to help Coop get over a issue we are having. I have bad insomnia, because I can’t shut off!
Josh told you about my skate team that I have been working on…it is so killer! (I was a sponsored skater in my days!) And I can’t wait till its up and functional helping kids stay away from drugs and skate in a harmless and rocking manner. The slogan that we made for it is ‘Boise’s NICE little skate team.” And there are prerequisites for the members, a number of community service hours, steady GPA and such… It will help shape so many kids! And give them such an experience that they will never forget!!!
Ashley English and Sarah Tate told you about how I donate eggs to the Idaho Center for Reproductive medicine. What a blessing! I cry EVERY time that I wake up from the surgery knowing some women now will get to be a mommy!!! (Being a mommy is my favorite blessing in life)
Sarah told you about her birthday surprise… I LOVED doing that! She married my KS kim shores’s lil bro and so we are still in touch… but for the price of my session her hubby was able to print up and frame 3 24×30’s and a TON or others! So now her walls are so happy!!! I know that this small thing I did will bless her life! Just think of what it will do for her on a frustrating day to see them! Here is her sneak peek of the day!
http://www.photobiz.com/slideshowbiz/slideshow.cfm?slideshowID=54346&photographerID=6073
A bunch of friend/client and work relations told you about Elaine trails wedding ~ my hubby kept saying “lindy, breathe, and sometimes it’s ok to walk away! You’re so busy already!” and I said NO! I CAN help so I WILL. (How could I not?) It’s been a big blessing in my life to have helped her, along with so many great vendors in Boise, to make her dream wedding a reality. I believe Vince posted a link to her site.
So on top of all that was said – here is what I have to add…
Jon and I had a REAL rocky start. A bunch of his family members vehemently opposed to our marriage. I think I was too ’strong’ so I came off scary…but no answer can be made…and reasons and apologies are no longer necessary. Although several things were done to get Jon to leave me~ we were married. But the problems with family carried right into our home. My migraines became soooo bad that I had to be hospitalized for them. I even started passing out from them. They thought that I had a brain tumor… CT said nope. The medical bills piled up…My business was just a baby at this point and I threw an entire wedding show on my own to get my photo name out! (too much stress) Three years later I felt I couldn’t take anymore…and we started really falling apart. It took years of counseling and effort…but here we are, finally dancing ~ as we did when we met. We have a beautiful boy, Cooper whom is ALL OVER my blog and site!
This last year… I decided to take some “me” time off from work and didn’t book any weddings or business from November to may… then Jon lost his job. I scrambled and came up with new business idea’s to supplement income. I did ok, but couldn’t keep up. He got another job and I relaxed again…just then his new job failed! So I kicked it into gear again and have supported us almost entirely over the last half a year! And this was the first “me” time that I had had in ages…or ever. And Elaine (the gal whose wedding I helped create) came along. I had to act. So I was trying to rally the whole town, and earn the income, raise the son, shower (eeks), help Jon study, pay the bills….. You get the picture. Here we are, his school is paid for, my cooper is healthy and happy, Elaine has her wedding, Sarah has her birthday pictures, etc… but I forgot about me. My migraines started again. This was way too much stress. This time with a new twist…they did not just hurt me so bad that I’d throw up and passed out ~ they caused the muscles in my neck to fail…which caused my muscles in my back to fail and then they yoinked 4 ribs and 2 vertebrae out of place. Slow enough that I didn’t notice until I woke up and couldn’t breathe. It’s a long road to be totally better…but I started it. (I will be fine! I want to run a marathon in October!) This was two weeks ago.
I don’t feel depressed. (Well sometimes) I defiantly don’t feel like a victim. I feel like bad things happen all the time and you got to do the best you can. I try to live by my motta “Focus on what you want, accept what you want.” But I do think I try to run faster than I should. I know that I need me time. I take a soaker bath with Epsom salt every day! But it’s not enough. Jon and I planned a week for me to get away this spring and recover but finances definitely will not allow this anymore. Every time we plan time and money for me to do something for me (being even a movie with girlfriends…) an unexpected mishap occurs… and my lindy time is out! (last month I got out away from it all only once…on a date night that’s to kim for that!!!)
I am on empty. I know I need to recharge because I cannot stop…I know I need to stop…but I cant see how! Jon has a lot more school, bills need paid, and I just can’t afford it!
I have been an artist all my life. I have been a photographer since I was a teen. I really picked it up when I was 23, and have had a successful business for 3 years now. I work all summer. I feel like you described in your blog once about coming home feels so calm and exhausting. And once you said that you just got to cry sometimes, and Brian takes the kids and lets you just cry. That’s me. Except I tell myself…buck up! Too much to do! (then hide and cry)
I am a good photographer, I want to be better. I can be better! I know that I will benefit from this soooo much! I will come home such a better photographer, and have my batteries charged to keep on keeping on! And Help where I can. I want to be like the river in Ezekiel that he says life teems wherever it goes. This opportunity will give me chances to do this. I will know more…further my business, be able to fund my skate team, and afford to help more! I want to print a big picture up for the women who graduate from their meth or other drug addictions here in Boise (chrysalis shelter, and city of light shelter.) to remind them that THEY ARE NEW! And to NOT go back! But I lack the funds. Furthering my business will give me those funds. I take their pictures but can’t print a big one up…and I know they can’t also. (Heck, a date would be rad too! ? ) I will come back with much more patience for my son. I will come back me!
Thanks for this opportunity. I love that you did this. Thanks, thanks, thanks, thanks, thanks!
I love you for this. lindy
of course i would forget my contact info (not that you didnt get it hundred times before… lindy@lindyphotography.com thanks
Hello, My name is Sarah Weibling and I hope it is OK to nominate myself. I just found your website about a month ago and I stayed up all night reading page after page. I have been dealing with some serious insomnia the last year! Last year was a really rough one for my little family. A little about myself, I am the wife of a brave and loving fantastic paramedic who is my best friend in the whole world. We met in college in the Paramedic program and dated for 3 weeks before getting engaged and then married 4 months later! I guess we just knew it was right :). We have three hilarious kiddos who are the light of my life. Parker is 5, Kaden is 4, and Brinlee will be 3 in Aug…yeah…I know! When we had parker we just fell in love. I have had preterm labor with all three, and really tough pregnancies, but kaden is the only one who was in the NICU – we spent only two weeks there but that was enough!
Last year was a really rough one for us. We decided that after taking a break to enjoy our little ones, that we were ready to have another. But in July ( on parker’s birthday none the less) we went in for our first ultrasound only to find that our sweet baby had not continued to develop. I was stunned and heartbroken. To make matters worse I had to have a D&C that night. I couldn’t believe it. Danny was right there by my side and we both felt a piece of our hearts break. I tried to be really brave while going in to surgery- I didn’t want Danny to worry. But once I came out, I couldn’t help it and the tears just wouldn’t stop. What if there had been a mistake? What if they were wrong? What if it was something I did? My Doctor reassured me that she would never EVER go ahead with a procedure unless she was 100% sure. I knew that, I trust her completely but in those moments, I just couldn’t wrap my brain around everything that was happening.
We headed home and tried to make the best of things, got back to our normal routine. Then in September, I discovered that I was pregnant again. I was scared to death but hopeful that it was all going to be fine.
Going in for our first ultrasound I was in panic mode. I could hear my heart beating in my ears and I just needed to see that everything was fine. Danny needed that too. It killed him to see me so devastated and he was beside himself as well.
But we did not get the answers we were looking for. Once again, the Dr. had to give us the news that we were having another miscarriage. Needless to say – we were numb. I cannot express the pain and sadness that we have experienced this last year, but it has affected everything in our lives. Danny began having some problems with depression (something that I NEVER would have thought could happen). I have dealt with anxiety and depression problems since I was 16, but Danny is my opposite and there was just no way he would ever have to deal with that. I guess we just had a lot of learning to do! Here we are almost a year later and Danny is doing better, but has had such a hard time even thinking about trying for another baby again, and I am dealing with what I can only refer to as “aching arms” syndrome! I have always loved photography, but last year amidst all of this, my amazing husband bought me my first DSLR and I haven’t looked back. I have started a business (small but so fulfilling) and am LOVING capturing moments for others. My dream is to be able to get good enough to get on board with a company like Soulumination and use whatever talent I can build to capture heart wrenching but possibly healing photos for parents dealing with a loss that is unimaginable.
I know there is hope on the horizon, for my family and for all of those families dealing with these tragedies right now.
I would forever treasure the opportunity to learn from you and use that knowledge to serve them.
Thanks so much,
Sarah Weibling
Oak Harbor WA
Ugh! I would be totally nominating myself as well! It’s graduation weekend for Zach so I couldn’t go anyway, I swear I am going to make it somehow to one of your workshops MeRa. I am not giving up!!!
Love you guys! Have fun!
okay so I am a total goober and forgot to post why I’m running on empty! I got a little sidetracked talking about the last year! Anyway, my emotional tank has been empty from last year, but my physical tank is getting pretty low as well! I mentioned that my husband is a Paramedic, he actually works 2 medic jobs. We had quite a bit of medical debt from the surgeries last year and so he has been working overtime on top of that. He works 24 hour shifts so with both jobs that means he usually works between 72 and 96 hours a week…. which means with 3 kids between the ages of 5 and amost 3, I work that much as well! I feel so blessed to be able to stay home with my kids, but it does get draining sometimes. With my husband on the fence with the baby situation (he just wants me to be ok) I decided to make the best of the situation and start running and train for a marathon. I have had so many setbacks that I felt like I was hitting walls with everything I wanted to do in my life. Photography has given me such a release! I am learning so much and after buying the “green box” set I am now shooting mostly in manual!!! I would just really love to learn all that I can from you.
Thanks again and sorry for the brain lapse there!
Sarah Weibling
Hey guys… I too, am nominating myself, and of course just in a long shot HOPING to be picked. Sometimes I think about this contest and wonder in what ways am i REALLY running on empty when my life feels so full. I have an incredible husband… and 2 of the sweetest kids in the world: Miles 3 years and Lawson 8 months. I wanted to sign up for the ATL workshop but was still nursing.
The empty part of me is the part that just recently went through a bit of an identity crisis. I have worked in the ministry for 10 years and loved every minute of it. I worked in SC at a large church JUST focusing on Jr. High for 4 years, and then most recently my husband and I moved to GA, away from all family, to take a new ministry position at a small church primarily doing youth, but after 6 years… my job evolved to doing almost everything from birth to death… except preaching. Three years ago when I had my son the church agreed to allow me to work part time from home and part time from the church. Of course my hearts desire was to stay home with my little guy, but our finances weren’t making that possible so with the flexibility… i got the best of both worlds. When Lawson came around though… things changed and the pastor decided he was ready for an associate pastor… HE knew that if i was “asked/forced” to work full time in the office, I would resign. To avoid typing out all of the drama… he basically bulldozed right over my family and the ministry that I had worked so hard at for 6 years to follow through with his agenda. It has turned the church upside down and it has left me feeling “running on empty”. Not only was I a new mom that was suddenly forced with the decision of putting my kids in daycare (in an area that has NOTHING) or figuring out how to live off 1/2 of our household income (my husband is a teacher)… but I was ripped of the LOVE that i hold so dear to my heart which is encouraging people in the walk with the Lord, introducing them to the person of Jesus Christ and giving them the tools to grow. It was and still is my passion. Yes… i have been a mother for 3 years, but for a few months i seriously struggled with what had been pulled out from under me… when the pastor was only driven by his own agenda and not committing this decisions tot he Lord or to the leadership of the church. I felt empty, lost, and of course angry. Rather than fight it out (with all of the support of the church leadership), my husband and i chose to look at this as an answer to our prayers. We decided that it was time for me to turn my ministry focus to our family… so we left… and tried to do it as peacefully as possible. The church leadership has taken over the issues left with the pastor… that wasn’t our place. We still live in town for now, but at some point will move back closer to our family.
How does photography come in this story. Like most people that read your blog… i have ALWAYS loved to take pictures and ALWAYS had a camera with me. But it wasn’t until my son was born that it became a passion… that was the only way I could FREEZE time and memories that were flying by me so quickly. And like most… i began taking pictures of my friends kids… and they began pushing me to DO THIS. Photography became my outlet… away to escape the drama that a job in the ministry can bring. But it also became a different sort of ministry… knowing that i was capturing these moments for other moms, but also the chance to share my faith with them is just incredible.
Since resigning from my job the LORD has brought people OUT OF THE WOODWORK for shoots. Somehow we are making ends meet and I continually think that of course the Lord “knew the plans HE had for me.” I have always been confident that GOOD comes out of the UGLY… and now I am seeing the GOOD. The awesome time I get to spend with my kids as a stay at home mom, but also how the Lord has blessed this “thing I did on the side” to truly provide for my family.
What your workshop would do for me? I KNOW it would give me the confidence i need to jump. To jump into a passion that is technically out of my comfort zone (because people are paying me) but to jump even deeper into something I truly love to do. It would give me the confidence to know that not only does staying at home do amazing things for my kids and husband, but being able to do photography can still make ends meet and give us the chance to continue to give to others. I know the Lord is providing this business for me because these are people I have never met before and have no clue how THEY heard about me.
I am insecure because i KNOW i have a lot more to learn about my camera and running a “business”. But I am confident because in so many ways the Lord has affirmed this direction for me.
So I nominate ME because I am a mom that is running on empty… but I am also a mom who has hope in the plans that HE has for me… MAYBE this is one of them… we will see… and if it is not I am just REALLY praying that you guys will come BACK to ATL… and SOON!!!
thanks for your time and consideration… and sorry about all the (…s). My husband (the English teacher) would be embarrassed because i OVER use them!
Cindy
mom, photographer, and believer
Dear Me Ra,
Yesterday, your ears must have been ringing. I was just thinking of your workshop, the Running on Empty contest and if you would be having it for this workshop.
See I have plans made for the BlogHer conference next month. I settled on BlogHer, knowing your workshop was financially out of reach for us. Right now I should be finalizing my travel plans, but I just haven’t been able to do it. I just don’t feel that my heart would be there. I would just be going to get some time away for myself. In the back of my mind knowing that your next workshop was coming up, I could only think “I would rather be in Seattle with Me Ra”.
I truly eat up every word you post on your workshops. I realize that your workshop is so much more than just learning about photography. It is tapping into yourself, discovering what you have to offer and putting it all into your art. I think only a few amazing people could teach that. That is what I would be looking forward to most at your workshop.
If I had the opportunity I would drop everything and switch my travel plans. You were definitely speaking about me when you said “lives by the seat of her pants and would book a plane ticket last minute.” I am fortunate enough to have family in the Seattle area to stay with (just so you know it is realistic for me).
Our whole family is definitely running on empty right now. Recently unemployed, we are still adjusting from the switch of being a working mother to being a stay at home mom. While I no longer wrestle with the guilt of working full time, without an income emotionally it is tough as I wonder what my value is. My usual steadfast confidence is wavering. While normally the calm and collected one, I feel emotionally ready to break.
One thing that I’ve held onto and that has inspired me has been art. Returning to school has been the one blessing through this situation. Each and every art class I take renews my spirit. It is the calm and focus in my uncertain life. Yet is hard to believe I started my first drawing class with panic attacks wondering if art is for me. Now I am eager to explore every inch. One inch I haven’t been able to explore is photography. I have a DSLR. I’ve learned what I can on my own and from your DVDs. But I would love to spend time focusing on photography. I would love to see the shots I see in my head make it to print.
I really hope that my persistence pays off. Since I found your blog, I’ve entered every time. I think this makes three. But even if this “Running on Empty” woman its not me, I still hope to be in your workshop one day. I will still look forward to your inspiring words.
Thank You for this opportunity!
Stephanie
my email is cindystansberryatgmaildotcom
I forgot to post my contact info: ashjulian@yahoo.com
This is Shannon: http://lucyandwill.blogspot.com/2009/05/twins.html
She is my sister in law. She has three children under 4 and just found out that she is pregnant with TWINS! Over the past 4 years she has been a truly amazing mother, wife and friend while her husband has been diligently working on a PhD in Math and changed to a Master’s in Divinity. He just graduated and they are in the process of packing to move from St. Louis to Bellingham to plant a church. They already had a busy year ahead of them and adding twins to the mix is a true challenge. They will have 5 children under 5!
Photography seems to add a spark to each day for her. The pictures that she shares tell so much and it is clear that she puts a lot of thought into it. She always has her DSLR draped diagonally over her shoulder, ready to capture the moment. For a mom of three little ones, I admire her willingness to carry more that just a kid on her hip.
Before she embarks on this new adventure of moving and then being a mom of 5, it seems appropriate that she have a little bit of time to herself, to cultivate her passion of photography just a little bit further.
She and her husband are both from Seattle, so childcare is no problem.
Thank you for considering her, Shannon, my sister-in-law about to be running on empty.
My e-mail: fofanancy@gmail.com
Her e-mail: walkshan@gmail.com
Hi Me Ra,
I’m not nominating myself for the workshop (although I would love love love to go!) since I’m not a Mom yet nor have I been through anything like the other women who have posted. But I have read what others have said and I just have to say that it’s so awesome that you have this contest!! I love it and I wish the best of luck to whoever is chosen.
I also wanted to say how much I love your blog. I’ve been reading it for a couple months now after I heard my cousin mention that you were one of her favorite photographers and I’ve been hooked ever since! I love how you teach your passion and share your talents because I’ve learned so much from what you post.
Photography is my passion and I like to think that it runs in my blood since I come from a family of photographers (my Dad, my father-in-law, my uncle, my grandpa, and I have a couple cousins who love it too), and because I just love it! I’ve recently gotten back into it when my father-in-law gave me his old 20D for my birthday in November. I was totally surprised and I remember that I couldn’t decide whether to laugh or cry when I opened it, I was just so happy!! 🙂
Since them my father-in-law has passed away unexpectedly. In mid December the doctors found a brain tumor the size of a baseball in his head that needed to be removed. As a family we were all comforted by his faith and confidence going into the surgery the day after Christmas and we were even more happy when everything went well. Unfortunately about 36 hours into recovery he took a turn for the worse and the next few weeks were so hard for us. He was in a coma and we could tell that he wouldn’t make it. He passed away in January and we all miss him so much, but we know we’ll see him again. I remember going to visit him and while holding his hand telling him that I bought my first lens and Lightroom 2 and that I was so excited to start taking pictures again. He really has made it possible for me to take up my passion again.
That’s quite long-winded, but in short I love photography and I hope to make it my outlet when I’m a Mom (I’ve always planned on it) and I love this blog! 🙂 I also look forward to attending one of your workshops in Seattle; they seem so uplifting and just fun!
I would like to nominate Sarah Weibling for A Mom Running On Empty. She is my 2nd daughter and is doing a wonderful job getting her photography business going. I am walking in the Seattle Breast Cancer 3-Day. Sarah volunteered to take pictures for people in May and donate the funds to sponser me in the Breast Cancer 3-day. She is donating $500.00, that I know she could really use right now. She loves to help others and continues to take pictures for people for free to help them and get more experience. I know this class would be such a help to her. This would help to fill the emptyness she has felt over the last year. It’s been a tough one for her. I feel Sarah has such talent behind the camera and loves what she is doing. This would be a dream come true for a busy mom of 3. She lives in Oak Harbor so she could get there with no problem. Thank you so much for the consideration. Connie Soptich, Mom of a daughter running on empty
Hi there! I also would like to nominate Sarah Weibling.
I have known her and her wonderful family for years.
Sarah is always cheerful and kind. She is a wonderful mother and wife. She stays home with her darling children 24/7 and does a great job too! I hope that she will get to go to the workshop and learn and have a great time with other women. Sarah is a bright and talented young mother. She would treasure the opportunity and would be so grateful. Thank you for this great opportunity for hard working moms! A friend of Sarahs, Susan Darcy
I would like to nominate Sarah Weibling!
I have known her most of my life..she never ceases to amaze me. No matter what life throws at her, she seems to always find ways to think of others! She is a photography maniac! Truly a hidden talent! Of course all of us either nominating ourselves or others are going to have biased opinions…but she has been a great blessing in my life, and my family. She deserves a little bit of luck!
-Chivaun
I am also nominating Sarah Weibling. This lady is wonderful. I don’t know up-close-and-personal all that Sarah has been going through this past year, but I have been pretty up to date with the goings-on. I am pretty close with Sarah’s family, so I can always get updates through them and through Sarah’s blog (which is amazing). She has truly had a pretty tough year (as you read from her and her mom’s previous posts), but you would not know it if you were to talk to her. Sarah is constantly putting smiles on everyone’s faces. Well, she has always been this way, but even through her hardships she has only striven to lighten other people’s loads. She can make you crack up with a quick comment and keep you laughing for hours… honestly. She doesn’t concentrate on herself or what she is going through. She is always concerned for the well-being of others and will always lend a listening ear. She and I go to the same church and just to see her interact with all of the many people around us (she is always willing and loving to talk to everyone) is inspiring. She makes you want to spread joy like she does. I think that this gift she has been given can truly be utilized and enhanced by and with her camera. She is an extraordinary lady and I do not hesitate in nominating her.
Me Ra,
I was very happy to read about this contest. My wife loves your photography. I thought I would jump on your blog and find out what or who it is she talks about. So, I am very excited to nominate my wife, Amy Little. There are a million reasons why she deserves this. To start she is the most amazing mother. She selflessly gives what little time she has to our son. That mommy-son time is mostly spent doing constructive things like adeptly wielding lightsabers in the defense of our kitchen, or courageously jumping from rock (pillow or cushion) to rock over a river of lava, chasing ants and other crawlies, and applying a dozen band-aides on phantom injuries. She is a symphony of love, compassion, and patience. It is a beauty to watch her in her role as a mother.
The next reason is that Amy spent the first 5 years of our marriage following her soldier husband around the country and even overseas; she never complained (much). When I would come home covered in mud and muck and oddly shaped scars, not able to tell her exactly what I did for the Army, she stood by me. I know that inside she bottled a storm of emotions; however, the only emotion she let out was that of love and support. Now that we are finally able to put down roots and build the life that we have dreamed about I what her to be able to chase her dreams. She deserves it. Life for us right now is a little heck tick. I recently left a job that was full of soul sucking vampires. Needless to say large dark storm clouds often followed me home. With umbrella in hand, she would calm the storm and restore peace to my soul. Along with starting a new job I am also going to school full time; that leaves little time for my family. Again, Amy has soldiered on and supported me in what at times has seemed like a Sisyphean effort. Amy also has been working part time for a pediatrician’s office as well as trying to run a successful photography business. My little Photag (my nickname for photographers) stays up most nights until way past midnight so that she can deliver pictures to her clients on time. Every night at about 10:15 she comes and sits next to me on our couch for a pep talk. After a little Stewart Smalley session she jumps back on her laptop for a few more hours. She then is up bright and early the next morning with our tropical storm of a child and starts her helter-skelter day all over again. After feeling like she has been burning the candle from both ends, for nearly a year, she finally dug up enough courage to quit her part-time job so that she can focus on her photography. She is constantly in the photag mindset. It is her release, her connection to the beauty of life. Her goal is to show her clients the beauty inside of them. She wants to be able to capture the small moments that all parents hold dear in their hearts. I want so much for her to find the success she deserves. I feel that being able to attend your workshop would help her tremendously. Not only would you be helping her, but you would also help me give her a birthday she would never forget. Her birthday just happens to fall on the last day of your workshop. Please, Me Ra, help me to place my wife on the path to fulfilling her dreams of becoming a great photag.
Thank you for your time.
Nathan Little
nathanclittle@gmail.com
I nominate Sarah Weibling. She has so much passion for photography. With everything that has happened to her darling family this last year, she really needs time to get away and fill her creative tank. Through this whole time she always thinks so much of others and gives so much to them. I think that it is time that she gets something unexpected blessing in her life. Just this last month she took pictures of my kids and donated the monies to the Susan G Komen foundation. This is only one example of her generous nature. She lives close to Seattle so it would be easy to get there. I think that she really could use this workshop to fuel her passion for photography and could use a blessing like this in her life at this time.
I also nominate Sarah Weibling, she is a wonderful mom, a great person, and loves photography. I think this workshop would benefit her immensely and that she needs something in her life like this right now.
I also would like to nominate Sarah Weibling for this. If there’s anyone I know who deserves an opportunity like this, it’s her. Even though I don’t know Sarah really well and don’t know personally all the trials she’s gone through lately, I have been greatly impressed with her talent, kindess, and good humor. She has recently started a photography business and taken pictures of my family. She does a phenomenal job and I won’t have anyone else do our pictures now. She has a talent for capturing my children’s personalities on camera that nobody else has been able to do, and my children love her, because she makes it so much fun for them and makes them feel like they’re really special. It’s obvious that Sarah has an unusual passion and talent for this, and I would be so excited for her to have an opportunity to develop this talent further as she is really remarkable.
Again, as I said, I was not aware of all the difficulties that Sarah has been through lately, as she’s not the kind of person to talk about or dwell on it. She’s really upbeat and positive and is just delightful to be around. This would be a wonderful opportunity and I can’t think of anyone who would be more deserving and benefit more from this.
Thank you so much for offering this wonderful opportunity,
Amy Jones
I nominate Sarah Weibling. She is the kind of person that you love being around because you feel like a happier person after you have been around her.
Winning this would be like a breath of fresh air for her and make life seem a little more liveable.
My kids love having their pictures taken by her and Sarah has such a great personality that having pictures taken by her is fun for them.
Sarah has had a terrible year with all sorts of trials. I hope she wins this because it would mean so much to her.
We all need jumpstarts to get us recharged and this would do it for Sarah! Photography takes her to a happier place where life is about the small moments of happiness wherever you can grab. Thank You
I would like to nominate Sarah Weibling, she is such a good example of putting others before herself, she’s been through so much and still knows how to appreciate life and make others laugh! This would be such a neat opportunity for her to refuel and do something fun for herself. my email is sdamistadatgmaildotcom. Thank!
Steph
My girlfriend pointed out I forgot to put me email! Sorry! weiblingfam@gmail.com
thanks, Sarah
i want to nominate sarah weibling.
sarah is a selfless, sweet, funny and strong woman. she has devoted her life to her children and this year has not been a good one for her. multiple miscarriages and surgeries have just been a part of it. she is running on empty and yet she still finds a way to give to others.
photography is her love and passion. she has a natural talent for it, and works incredibly hard at it as well. through her work she captures my kids personalities beautifully and takes photographs that come from the heart.
she is such a big fan of me ra koh photography, and is eager to learn new techniques. i know that this workshop would mean the world to her. if there was any way that she could afford it, she would have already signed up! this opportunity would give her the boost that she desperately needs.
thanks for reading.
~ catherine
I would like to nominate Sarah Weibling. Sarah is an up and coming photographer who gives and gives all the time. As a mom of three busy kids myself, I am amazed at what she is able to do when her husband is working and away so much. Please consider my cute cousin for your Mommmy Moment giveaway. She would just live it up. Her email is weiblingfam@gmail.com
Thanks,
Jennifer Stokes
Wow Me Ra! Those are some amazing entries (you’ve got your work cut out for you!). The fact that everyone is near by just makes me want to distribute out hugs! It’s killing me not to enter this time, but when you’re empty, you’re empty. I work weekends to make ends meet and there’s no way I’ll be able to rearrange my schedule in time to make it worth entering. But thank you for always offering this opportunity, it seems like a dream come true every time.
Good luck to all the fine women who are entering. Hopefully next time you hold a workshop here I won’t be running on empty, and I’ll finally get to go. :O)
you HAVE to choose Sarah Weibling for this workshop! she is such a talented and generous person. She is the kind of person you always want to be around. She captures such great pictures and is so fun to work with. she is going through so much right now but still remains positive and holds it all together for her kids. I know that photography is a big part of her life right now. This opportunity would mean so much to her and give her that boost that she needs.
Hi, I would like to share with you why I think SARAH WIEBLING should be nominated. I am a mum with 6 kids 17 to 2 .I have a 6 year old with disabilities. Sarah took pictures of him in march. She was so wonderful with him .He didn,t sit still for a minute moving,twirling,jumping ,crawling. I’m sure it was hard for her, but she was soo sweet with him ,telling him he was great and fast and doing super. I got the pictures back and he said to me,”Look what a super great kid i am!!! “”I like myself now “.She made a difference for Dominic . To see his selfesteem boosted by Sarah’s love still makes me cry. I know things have been hard for her,but though her love and photography she will continue to bless those around her. I know this workshop will be cherished by her,and fill her cup as she has filled ours.
thank you
victoria
I’ve been visiting and enjoying your adventures ever since WPPI this year when I stood on the outskirts of the crowd and listened to your presentation at one of the booths. Tonight I opened your blog and found your contest. I keep coming back to it and have been mulling it over all night. I can’t believe that I’m nominating myself. That’s not my style. I’m the one who works behind the scenes in life. The one who goes out of her way not to draw attention to herself. The one who never wants to stand in front of a crowd. And yet here I am typing away.
I don’t have a sad story. In fact quite the opposite. I’ve been blessed beyond measure in my life. I have a wonderful husband. I have four beautiful children. I have a beautiful home. I have choice parents and a wonderful family. Have you given up on me and stopped reading yet?
From the outside it would be easy to say I have it all. I feel very ungrateful to say that I don’t. But I don’t. I have parts of my soul that are completely untapped and unexplored. I’m completely lacking in confidence. I’m an introverted type personality that isn’t really very good at social skills. I’m lacking knowledge. I don’t know how to channel what I want to happen in my life. I don’t even know where to start.
I married at 18 and was a mom by age 25. More than half of my years in this life have been consumed with infertility, adoption, pregnancy loss and then finally the gift of raising children. Somewhere along the way I completely lost sight of the fact that I’m a person. An individual. Someone who should have talents and interests. Someone who should have taken advantage of opportunities that have come my way to develop myself as a person. Someone who should have sought out opportunities to grow and find talents. But I didn’t. I’m running on empty because I didn’t. I avoided a challenge at all costs. I didn’t seek out new things. I didn’t try and grow. I just stood to the side and watched as life passed me by. I don’t extend myself to social situations because “what if nobody talks to me” or even worse “isn’t interested” in what I have to say.
So how does photography factor into my story? It’s the one thing that I feel a spark about right now. I just turned 40 and I want something new. It’s what I want to do for me. It’s what I want to be good at. And in a way it’s my opportunity to give back. I don’t care if I never earn a dime taking pictures. I just want to create beautiful images. I just want to capture joy. A smile. A moment that I can give to someone to remember forever. Photography is what I want to be good at and it makes me feel like I’m finally accepting a challenge. It does not come naturally to me. I don’t have artistic talent. I don’t have “an eye” for it. But I’ve spent the last 18 months reading and practicing and asking questions. I’m learning and I’m proud of how far I’ve come. But I want more and I want to learn in new ways. I don’t want to be an ordinary photographer. They are a dime a dozen where I live. I want to find my own style. I want to not be empty. I want to get on an airplane by myself and come to a new city. I want to walk into a room of strangers and try and find missing pieces of myself in places I never thought to look.
I know I don’t have circumstances that make my story remarkable. Even just taking the time to type out all my thoughts has been theraputic for me. But maybe, just this once, take a look at the ordinary girl who wouldn’t normally even raise her hand and say “pick me.” I’d love to be there!
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